I didn't need that toenail anyway...

I'm not being dramatic -- really, I'm not. And I haven't yet lost the toenail. It's a fighter -- still hanging on. I won't gross you out with the gory details. But now I'm all appreciative of what that toenail's done for me -- how many long runs it's been on, how many peep-toed shoes it's seen, how many applications of red toenail polish it's worn... It's been a good nail, and I'll be sorry to see it go, if it goes...

Not to get all nostalgic about a nail... but you can see how it could be a little distressing to realize that the fact that your toenail is actually attached to your toe is no longer a foregone conclusion.

And thus, is the 20 mile run report redux. So, it seems, you can feel the effects of a major run like that days (days!) after you've finished the running. Well, I suppose I didn't really heed the advice of wiser-and-more-sinewy-runners than I, who said to nix the hiking trip on Sunday. (But seriously, could anyone NOT go hiking for a birthday party? I mean, really!) See? How FUN!

Connie (birthday girl!) and I getting ready to head off to Starved Rock

Connie giving a bear a bear-hug...

We went over the river...

And through the woods...

And we had a wonderful time. And so, come Sunday evening, as I was all snuggled up on the couch in Sweet Johnny V's arm, I realized that Maybe I Had Done Too Much, and that the additional pang in my left leg was no longer alone -- having been met by a strain and a twinge and a whang in my right ankle (at least I'm no longer lopsided). And so, I suppose, I have Learned My Lesson. *sigh*

In any event, I'm on the mend, although I most surely will be skipping some of the weekly runs this week. So, here's to Connie's wonderful birthday hiking extravaganza, and to the hope that my toenail will hang on for one last and final long run...

Be well, train smart, and ensure that you have sufficient room in your toe-box.
Belly